When the Light Fades and the Darkness Descends, Music Provides the Balm

By Tom Cheyney

In a year when the stark seriousness of political upheaval, climate carnage, and death’s relentless inexorability oft had the upper hand in our vertiginous world, let us take sustenance from the music that kept us nourished. From the algorithmically shuffled iTunes playlist finding just the right songs to those transcendental live moments in the nightclub, concert space and living room when space-time wobbled and our spirits leapt, the music kept doing what it always has—provide the balmic soundtrack that helps make life worth living.

It’s not often any artist will make my top spot more than once, let alone twice within three years; there are plenty that impressed me enormously at first and then didn’t develop beyond their one good idea (see: Sons, Mumford &). The CCDs are not only starting from a very rich tradition, but have already established their ability to look outside it as well. They still apply it to contemporary songs, only this time the title track is from the workers song tradition rather than an R&B or Tom Waits cover, but there’s just as much from the African-American string band tradition, as well as vocals both brassy and sweet and sharp instrumentalism. Three-peat? It wouldn’t surprise me.

Rose Room – Rose Room (Artist, CD & Live Gig)Swing jazz with a dash of western swing. A new band made up of seasoned professionals. Their first CD is a winner, and their live gigs are supercharged with energy that has the audience dancing in their seats.

Nick Keir – The Edge of Night (CD)If you told me I could keep only one of the CDs I’ve acquired during 2012, this would be the one.

Blackwaterside - Blythe and Merry (CD)recorded live in a concert presented by San Diego Folk Heritage. Their arrangements breathe new life into familiar songs and tunes.

Crooked Jades - Soundtrack for Bright Land with Kate Weare Company (CD); Live September 7 at The Echoplex. We’ve heard the Crooked Jades over the years with different band configurations and the current one really works. The little we’ve seen of their collaboration with the Kate Weare dance company is amazing. We hope that they can bring the show out west in 2013.

Jen Hajj - I of the Storm (CD) We met Jen at the FAR-West conference in Irvine this past October. Her 2011 CD was a standout and we look forward to her upcoming release.

Lunasa - Live November 17 at Caltech Public Events (Beckman). Although we’ve heard them before and have enjoyed their CDs for years, the balance of the sets of the group and as individual players was superb. Perhaps because we were sitting in the balcony but this was the first time that we thought the sound at Beckman was great.

Punch Brothers – Who’s Feeling Young NowI wonder how long it will take for people to realize just how genius this group is. PB's latest effort is both progressive and innovative yet derivative of several historic genres. I go deeper down the rabbit hole with every listen (listen to "Moonshiner" from their latest EP Ahoy! if there's still a doubt in your mind....).

John Fullbright – From the Ground UpThis Oklahoma native is the real deal. Honestly had to pull the car over the first time I heard his music on NPR's Fresh Air.

Black Prairie – A Tear in the Eye is a Wound in the HeartExcellent bluegrass/old time side project from the members of the Decemberists. The record is incredibly atmospheric, haunting and beautiful.

Andrew Bird – Break It Yourself (CD) (Mom & Pop Music) The hard-to-pigeonhole Bird has been flitting around the edge of my personal playlist for years, but with this wonderful album, he finally got my complete attention. Drop-dead neo-old-timey gorgeous Danse Caribe and plucky trans-Atlantic fiddle confab Orpheo Looks Back are among the tasty morsels on this sonic buffet.

Carolina Chocolate Drops - Leaving Eden (CD ) (Nonesuch); Live April 6 UCLA Royce Hall Rhiannon Giddens’ beguiling force o’ nature vocals would have been enough to satisfy this happy camper, but the ensemble playing and individual virtuosity begat fuller enjoyment, in a concert both entertaining and educational. Their 21st-century rendering of the African-American string-band tradition lives strong on stage and on their latest—and now Grammy-nominated—album.

I See Hawks in L.A. - New Kind of Lonely (CD)(Western Seeds) L.A. hometown heroes knock one out of the park on group’s first full-length foray into (im)pure American acousticism. Their eccentric-smart songwriting chops (sense of place, yo!), comradely harmonies, and mind-meld chops flow in full effect throughout, with Bohemian Highway,Your Love Is Going to Kill Me, and Highland Park Serenade among the storytelling gems. (Full disclosure: I’m sort of an assistant executive producer on this, as I contributed to the group’s Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign.)

* Artist: Innes Watson – guitarist, fiddler, singer, composer/arranger.He’s innovative and interesting, and was just named Instrumentalist of the Year at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards.

* Event: Perthshire Amber Festival – organized by Dougie Maclean. This festival gets better every year. If you plan a visit to Scotland, try to come in the fall and take in the concerts, workshops, hill walks, and sessions.

* Concert: Greentrax 25th Anniversary Concert – 25 years of the definitive Celtic music record label, celebrated by some of the best folk and traditional recording artists in Scotland.

* Live gig: Nick Keir – live at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A tiny wee venue with a tiny wee stage and Nick at his best. I miss the McCalmans, but the solo stuff that he’s writing is brilliant, and I can hardly wait to hear his new solo CD.

Two Old Hippies again exhibited at The Winter NAMM Show, 2011(photo by Susan Rosenberg)

As I toured the vast acres of musical product exhibits and entertainment at the 2011 Winter NAMM Show along with 90,114 other registered attendees at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Southern California, on January 13th through the 16th, 2011, it was easy to "Believe in Music," and to think that music just might be the answer to the problems of the world after all, or at least be an essential tool in solving them.

NAMM stands for “National Association of Music Merchants,” but despite NAMM's continued use of the acronym, the organization is now named "International Music Products Association," to more accurately reflect its worldwide scope, and to complement its motto, "Believe in Music."

The end of year, beginning of winter, holidays are over and January has
again arrived with the new year. For the last four years, this time has brought
my opportunity to attend the Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, as a
free-lance reporter, and thereby kick-off my own musical events calendar in a
very grand style.

NAMM stands for "National Association of Music Merchants," although
NAMM organizers are quick to stress that since its origin in 1901, NAMM has
become "the trade association of the international music products industry,"
and the long form of the name is no longer used, in favor of simply "NAMM."

1. CD: Pete Seeger: Tomorrow’s Children, with the Rivertown Kids Chorus on Appleseed Recordings 2. CD: Uncle Ruthie: The Jacaranda Tree double CD 3. MOVIE: Phil Ochs: There But For Fortune4. Live concert: Bob Dylan's Small Town Tour concert5. Live concert: Patti Smith's State of the Union6. Live concert: Guy Carawan's Tribute and Benefit for Highlander Center For Education and Research 7. Live concert: Roy Bookbinder's spellbinding concert at McCabe’s8. Live concert: Buffy Sainte-Marie's concert at the Bootleg Theatre 9. Live concert: Arlo Guthrie and Family Ride Again at UCLA’s Royce Hall 10. Live concert: Joan Baez and Roger McGuinn’s concert at The Queen Mary in Long Beach

We can't believe this year has passed by so quickly. For
many of us, it has not been a good year and the recession has affected the
local folk scene. Concert attendance is down. Performers who were scheduled to
come to Southern California cancelled their shows.On the other hand, there were still a lot of great music that uplifted our spirits.

Check out the TOP TEN (plus) for 2009 by FolkWorks writers and friends:

I tried so hard to find something better than this, but
eventually I had to resign myself to seeing this ragtag group of young folkie
West Londoners at the top. I saw them earlier this year at the Hotel Café,
opening for the holder of my #1 spot for 2008, Johnny Flynn. They were better
than Flynn, in fact- more seasoned performers and more comfortable on a stage. People
on other continents have told me they're sick to death of the single, Little
Lion Man, which they've heard to distraction. There's a good reason for that,
mind you- romantic regret, aggressive banjo and a few F-bombs are a perfect, if
sideways, recipe for pop success- but I really didn't want what could end up
being a novelty one-hit wonder at the top of my list. So I listened to the
entire record, figured I'd find a good reason to sink them to a lower spot, or
leave them off entirely. I found instead a diverse collection of songs, heavy
on the youthful angst but wise enough to know where a bit of traditional riff
or rhythm or Pogues-ish intensity might help to serve it. In the end it may not
be a great record (we'll see what happens next), but I can't think of a better
one. So number one it is.

2. Mick Moloney- If It Wasn't for the Irish
and the Jews (Compass)

The sequel to 2006's wonderful McNally's Row of Flats, this
likewise celebrates the growing influence of musical theater in a part of
Manhattan that would later become Tin Pan Alley. This time Moloney examines the
collaboration between two immigrant groups that helped define New York music in
the late 18th and early 19th century. Moloney is an academic, but the musical
performances are anything but-joyful and spirited, featuring spirited backing
from New York old-timers Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks and the best of a
crop of Irish musicians currently residing in the US, including master
guitarist John Doyle.

3. Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara - Tell No
Lies (Real World)

I'm as wary of these worldbeat/crossover deals as the next
guy, but this one's refreshingly free of preciousness about it. Adams has
played with Robert Plant and Jah Wobble, among others, and Camara, a virtuoso
of the Gambian riti (one-stringed violin) is also an excellent singer and
songwriter and not adverse to a bit of cross-cultural jamming. It's the kind of
thing Adams does very well, and sits somewhere between Bo Diddley, surf music
and the West African tradition without announcing itself in gigantic capital
letters like much of this stuff does. And, while it's intense and moving, it's
also a great deal of fun.

4. Martin Simpson - True Stories (Topic, dist.
by Compass)

Simpson's always been a hell of a guitar player, and has
been recording for decades, so it's a bit of a surprise that he's waited so
long to make his best record, but he's put it all together nicely for this one.
Perhaps it's because Simpson, a sensitive collaborator on other people's
records, has concentrated on letting others support the stories he wants to
tell. Said stories range from familiar traditional ones, like Sir Patrick Spens
to some sensitive originals, some vocal and some instrumental, with
accompaniment ranging from none to mini folk orchestra. It all feels like what
he was born to do, particularly Will Atkinson, a touching autobiographical song
about his childhood introduction to music via the harmonica player of the title.

5. Leonard Cohen - Live in London (Sony)

This is one case where you can call it a comeback. It matters
little to me that this live set from halfway around the world is more or less
identical to the one I saw months later. Same corny jokes, same band, even,
with one or two exceptions, the same songs in the same order. And his voice,
never typically "pretty" to begin with, has lost a few notes of range. And yet
what other 70+ year old performers are putting on energetic, passionate three
hour shows of great song after great song from a catalog unequalled in modern music
(and yes, that includes the guy in the number ten slot)? If this is his last
tour ever (and it's still going, last I heard), he's going out like a warrior. Words
like "triumphant" and "heroic," cliché though they be, are fully appropriate.

6.Buddy and Julie Miller - Written in
Chalk (New West Records)

Buddy's another guy that's been around for a while- mainly
as a Nashville session guitar whiz- but his appearance on last year's
Grammy-winning record by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss gave him the biggest
audience he's ever had. He and wife Julie have certainly done the most with the
opportunity. I wish Buddy were a great songwriter instead of merely a good one,
but that said the sexual tension between Julie's alluring voice and Buddy's
world-weary one is undeniable.

7. Tony McManus - The Maker's Mark (Compass)

A record that does something that's never been done before
to my knowledge, a collaboration between a guitarist and guitar makers- stunning
Scottish guitarist McManus, in a collaboration with Dream Guitars of Ashville,
NC plays a series of traditional tunes on guitars made by different guitar
makers. A novel idea without being a novelty recording, not just because McManus
is a stunning guitar player, but because he's a genius at matching tune to
guitar, bringing out the unique qualities in both guitar and song in every case.
It's every guitar player's fantasy too, so cheers to him for being the first to
make it happen. Hopefully it'll inspire others.

8. Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey - Here
and Now (Bar None)

1991's Mavericks was the last time these long-time
collaborators (originally in influential power-poppers the DBs) worked
together. No, it's not as good as that classic record (few things in life are),
but it's similar, albeit a bit more electric and rocking, despite the presence
of the lovely acoustic instruments on the cover (which do appear, albeit in a
cameo role). Just like the 1960s and 70s recordings of the Everly Brothers,
probably their biggest influence, it's rich in great songwriting, harmony, and
spirit.

9. Liz Carroll and John Doyle - Double Play (Compass)

No accident that the Compass label appears here several
times, either as label or distributor, having basically saved Irish music in
the US, between taking over the venerable catalog of Green Linnet, and
distributing the best Irish labels to Celtophilic Americans. As usual you can
hardly go wrong with any of their traditional Celtic releases, but Liz (born in
Chicago) and John (born in Dublin but currently residing in North Carolina) have
the year's best, featuring another generous helping of Carroll's original
tunes, which have already started to make their way, as they usually do, into
Irish pub sessions worldwide, and Doyle's usual stunning guitar playing, which
often sounds like it must be two (or even three) guitarists playing at once.

10. Bob Dylan - Together
Through Life (Columbia)

No, it's not as sharp as most of his last several, and yes,
that Christmas record is as every bit as bad as I thought it would be. But it's
nice to hear Dylan, as the only slightly younger Neil Young is now doing, just
chalking up his career as having pleased enough people that he can now dedicate
the rest of it to doing as he pleases. Can't say he doesn't deserve it. It's a
much more fun record than the last few as well, perhaps short on recognitions
of mortality or celebrations of the American song catalog, but long on relaxed
groove and smoky nightclub feel. And as a bonus David Hidalgo's all over it, so
it's the closest we'll get to a Los Lobos record this year.

Just
when I needed a jolt of live groove, these NYC-based Brazilian expats
electrified with their fiery fusion of northeastern Braz, funk, rock, and fill
in the blank.

4. Syran
Mbenza and Ensemble Rumba Kongo, Immortal Franco

Africa's
Unrivalled Guitar Legend (Riverboat): Living Congolese guitar legend Mbenza and
an all-star cast honor their late mentor, Franco, one of the giants of African
pop, with a lovely tribute album that steers clear of maudlin nostalgia.

5. Novalima
at Grand Performances, July 25

Soulful,
passionate Afro-Peruvianisms blended seamlessly with tasteful globotronics to
knock the socks off one of the dance-craziest crowds ever at GP.

Columbiano
tropical roots meet the modern age in this aptly titled album, with the
arrangements ranging from stripped-down simplicity to string-section lush, and
the African diasporic connection writ large.

7. Soul
Power (Jeffrey Levy Hinte, director)

You
may ask, "where's the folk?" here, but this documentary about the Zaire '74
fest in Kinshasa (part of the Ali-Foreman "Rumble in the Jungle" run-up)
captures in engrossing verité style both the behind-the-scenes wheeling-dealing
and onstage performance magic of an oft-overlooked yet groundbreaking
mulitculti musical event.

8. Spiro,
Lightbox (Real World)

The
quartet's blazingly original instrumental take on English folk music swirls and
builds into a hypnotic-melodic crossroads of trad tuneage, Philip Glass, and
late-night raves.

9. Vieux
Farka Toure at Troubadour, July 7

After
invited guest Vusi Mahlasela seduced the audience midset, the son of Ali Farka
and his band re-ratcheted up the rock-Malian trance-dance energy to the ecstasy
point.

10. Vasen w/ Darol Anger and Mike Marshall at
Skirball, July 23

A
sublimely string-driven evening, with the three Swedes--a pair of Viking
warriors and a "Where's Waldo" look-alike on nickelharpa-chopping up cords of
Nordic lumber.

Top Ten 2009 (in no particular order)
and
a wee bit more...

By Joel Okida

1. Works Progress
Administration - WPA (Red Distribution)

With four lead singers and instrumental talent to spare,
there is no Achilles heel that you can find here. Glen Phillips, Sean Watkins,
and Luke Bulla teamed up with Sara Watkins, Benmont Tench, Greg Leisz, Pete
Thomas, and Davey Faragher. They got together and played their assets off. No
brag, just fact.

2. The Wailin' Jennys
- Live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House (Red House)

All I can say is that these ladies can sing and play up a
storm. Alone or in harmony, they get it done with finesse or gutsy vocal force.
And as an add on, one Jenny, Heather Masse, also released an excellent solo CD,
Bird Song (Red House), that adds even more variety than the already eclectic
repertoire of the group effort.

3. Ramblin' Jack
Elliot - A Stranger Here (Anti)

Perhaps his magnum opus with great song selection and his
voice primed and self-assured. Producer Joe Henry got it right.

4. Rick Shea - Shelter
Valley Blues (Tres Pescadores)

Long time southern California singer/songwriter/musician who
has a resume of arresting songs and a habit of abetting almost every other
singer or band of country or honky-tonk notoriety that rolls into town. This is
a captivating piece of work and fits in nicely with the excellent recordings
that he has generated over the years. Don't know if he is underrated or
overlooked, but if he is, it's your fault, not his.

5. Todd Snider - The
Excitement Plan (Yep Roc)

The barefoot poet returns offering more wit and insight in
his inimitable way. Clever often cute, but clean and true.

6. Steve Earle - Townes
(New West)

One would find the original singer-songwriter's versions
hard to beat. This is also true in this tribute effort by the well known
student of Townes Van Zandt. However, there's enough added Earle grit to the
mix to make several tunes move in a mostly positive way and honor his mentor. Another
related release, at least family-wise, and with the not-so-coincidental name of
Justin Townes Earle attached to it, is Midnight at the Movies (Bloodshot
Records). It demonstrates the strong bloodline of talent, but in a different
light and adds a little sheen to the gifted middle name and the paternal link.

7. The Unwanted - Music
from the Atlantic Fringe (Compass Records)

Sligo-based group bridges old time songs of Appalachia with
similar tunes of the Irish. It works well due to some smart arrangements and
even smarter musicianship in the form of Cathy Jordan and Seamie O'Dowd from
the legendary Celtic band, Dervish, and Rick Epping, a multi-instrumentalist
from far off California. Leadbelly's , Out on the Western Plain starts it off
and it is a listener's joyride from then on.

8. The Unthanks - Here's
the Tender Coming (EMI Import)

The follow-up to The Bairns with the name change from Rachel
Unthanks and the Winterset, now simplified yet inclusive. Rachel and sister,
Becky, lead their mates across British traditional folk and into some stunning
renderings of popular songs, yet leave their trademark stamp of heartfelt
harmonies and distinctive solos intact.

9. Marissa Nadler - Little
Hells (Kemado Records)

The delicately spectral Ms. Nadler sings dirges that take
you down the longest, darkest paths to the sea and like the siren calling out
from the mist, you must follow. Somehow you're happy to be this sad, worried
and apologetic shoegazer in her musical presence.

The purist bluegrass that King Wilkie originally stamped
their name on becomes a mere take off point for this ambitious concept album
about a fictional musical family and their foibles. It then travels into sunny balladry,
gritty Americana and near Beatlesque orchestration. Featured cast includes
Peter Rowan, David Bromberg, Abigail Washburn, John McEuen , Sam Parton (The Be
Good Tanyas), and Robyn Hitchcock.

Chris Smither has never made a bad record just as his
guitar/foot-tapping style does not ever fail him in live performance. His
wordplay is well-crafted and no one gives the sad-eyed blues tale its vocal due
like Chris. So there's not a lot to diss about this recording either. Here he
breathes life into each lyric, real life poetry intact, and uses the voice that
burnishes the blues, heats it up, but goes down smooth.

Eva Cassidy - Songbird
(Blix Street Records), 1998

Rediscovery of a rediscovered performer who died at 33. She
left a significant body of recorded work (seven CDs as of 2003) much of it
released posthumously (including this compilation CD), but left a potent mark
on the interpretation of some folk, jazz, and pop standards. Autumn Leaves
might have been her loveletter to the future.

From the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland,
this singer and Clàrsach player (Celtic harp) presents traditional songs of the
island of Mingulay (also part of the Outer Hebrides). Sung in Gaelic and
adorned with instrumental accompaniment by her dedicated guest musicians. The
voice gets your full attention, natural yet compelling.

Monsters of Folk - Monsters
of Folk (Shangri-la)

This is neither monstrous nor truly folk, but the players
here might make a case for making some folk-like music with some colossal
talent that doesn't offend or frighten anyone. The band is made up of Conor
Oberst (Bright Eyes, Mystic Valley Band), M. Ward (She & Him), Jim James
(My Morning Jacket), and the songs run the gamut from edgy-spiritual, country
rock, folksie, to churning Americana. Should not scare off the adamantly acoustic.

Dent May - The Good
Feeling Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele (Paw Tracks)

Punchy pop confection with catchy melodies, but with a vocal
range that sails along through some well-written tales of collegiate
encounters. Revives the uke beyond the camp and corduroy.

Eilen Jewell - Sea of
Tears (Signature Sounds)

Great songwriting fits in with a confident voice from this
Boston performer who is more a rootsy folk-slinger who can slide over to the
blues both sultry or rollin' and tumblin'. These are songs that allow for a
soulful musician's very versatile voice.

Johnny Flynn - A
Larum (Lost Highway) 2008

Heard this a year late, but anticipate more from this young
Brit folk revivalist. Flynn, with his band the Sussex Wit, recorded this
stateside in Seattle. Energetic with folk sensibilities, playfully witty yet
philosophical in scope.

Sarah Jarosz - Song
Up in Her Head (Sugarhill)

17-year old who sounds only a quarter note away from full
womanhood (whatever that is) and then plays banjo or guitar like an old time
vet.

Catie Curtis - Hello
Stranger (Compass Records)

Different from her earlier recordings as the production is
stripped down and simplified, which is good in that it replicates the live
shows and let's her straightforward delivery shine. Nashville string trippers,
Stuart Duncan, Alison Brown, and George Marinelli give her a can't lose edge,
as do Darrell Scott and Mary Gauthier on vocals.

Historic footage of two seminal and influential English folk
ensembles. Unfortunately short in length (46 mins., but 15 are interview w/ the
director), but little footage is available from this era so the Brit folk
enthusiast must gather these tidbit treasures in when they surface.

Not because I was involved - the Top 10 part for me was seeing our folk
community come together and make it happen. Seeing all the familiar faces
volunteer and work to bring this music to Los Angeles was wonderful and
inspiring. We are lucky folks. The line up was also part of my top ten, seeing
Bruce Cockburn, Richard Thompson, Natalie MacMaster, David Lindley (watching
Jackson Browne enjoy David Lindley's performance from the audience with his
brother Severin was a highlight as well), David Bromberg and the Angel Band,
the Kingston Trio, the Woody Guthrie Tribute, Jimmy LaFave, Eliza Gilkyson,
Joel Rafael, Slaid Cleaves, the Refugees, and Stonehoney all in one place was
just plain fun!

2. The Lowen & Navarro goodbye at Hotel
Café:

Tough, hard, and beautiful tribute to one of the best songwriting teams in
our genre - 20 years of wonderful music. Watching Eric sing in a whisper the
words to "If I was the Rain" was one of the most moving moments of
2009 for me. A wonderful, grace-filled individual devastated by the monster
disease of ALS. Never have I seen someone handle such a devastating illness
with such grace. We love you Eric.

3. Woody Guthrie Fest:

The Woody Guthrie Festival takes place in July in Okemah, OK, birthplace of
Woody Guthrie, and always features an incredible line up of musicians. I went
on the encouragement of Jimmy LaFave, who is instrumental in making the
festival happen. Let me tell you, folks, there is magic in that red dirt - the
music seeps deep into your soul. Or maybe it's that you're just steps from
Woody's boyhood home, or that Mary Jo Guthrie, Woody's sister, and the whole
host of the Guthrie family is all around you, but it is an experience you will
never forget. Joining Mary Jo at her Pancake Breakfast on Sunday morning is one
of the highlights of the fest.

4. Folk Alliance International conference:

Best Tribe Gathering - Always a bright spot of the year where we get to
gather with our community, and network too! Highlights this year included
honoring Vic Heyman and Odetta posthumously at the Awards Banquet (seeing Vic's
empty easy chair was moving - we miss you, Vic!); the Keynote Address by Roger
McGuinn; the Electric Guitar Summit featuring Freebo, Albert Lee, Phil Hurley
(Stonehoney), Colin Linden (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings), James Burton (best
known for playin' with Elvis!) and Luke Doucet (Blue Rodeo); the showcase rooms
in general; and of course watching the sun come up after playing music all
night with Stonehoney, Kenny Edwards, Wendy Waldman, Sarah Lee Guthrie, and
many, many more that wondered in...

5. CD: "Monsters of Folk"

Debut album - For that matter, the entire Monsters of Folk tour - this
collective's four songwriters -Conor
Oberst, Jim James, M. Ward
and Mike Mogis are each a monster artist individually. Good to see the next
generation carrying the torch of folk music and making it their own.

6. Best Up and Coming:

Check out the Hotel Cafe in the early hours of the evening, which tends to
be dedicated to acoustic music - I am amazed at the young talent they have
booked there. Kate Miller-Heidke, Caitlin Crosby, and Astrella Celeste among
others.

7. Best Folk Radio: KPFK

To Roz Larman of FolkScene, for carrying on the torch on KPFK every Sunday,
and Mary Katherine Aldin, also on KPFK on Saturday early AM. Great interviews,
great music, great job!

8. Best Gig Calendar:

Larry Wines, Acoustic Americana Music Guide - every week Larry tirelessly
creates a very extensive posting of live acoustic music shows and news in the
greater Los Angeles area, and beyond

9. Best Online Mag & Best Interviews:

To FolkWorks - yep, you guys. Carrying on the online version, reinventing
and filling such and important role for Folk Music - you definitely deserve
this. And the Interviewers you have - Terry Roland and Ross Altman are
wonderful! Thank you for keeping such an informative and delightful publication
going.

10. Best Legislative move:

The Folk Alliance International PRO agreement
for House Concerts getting done - finally, we don't have to worry about the
PRO's coming down on House Concerts. The ongoing negotiations will include
Coffeehouses and non-profit Promoters in the coming months - all positives for
our community.

2009 GRAMMY FOLK RELATED WINNERS

READ MORE FOR ALL NOMINEES

Category 68 Best Traditional Folk Album (Vocal or Instrumental.)

At 89Pete Seeger [Appleseed Recordings]

Category 69 Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album (Vocal or Instrumental.)